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Eye Pain

From mild eye discomfort to aching pain behind the eye, we explain the common causes, when to be concerned, and how we can help.

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What is eye pain?

Eye pain is when your eye hurts, feels uncomfortable or aches. It can affect the surface of the eye, like a corneal abrasion or dry eye syndrome or deeper inside, such as with iritis or glaucoma. Most cases are minor, but it’s good to know when it might be something more serious.

Different types of eye pain 

What might be causing your eye pain, and what it could point to: 

  • Sudden, sharp, or stabbing pain in the eye: This is often caused by a scratch or something getting into your eye, like dust or grit. You might feel like there’s something stuck or a sharp pain when blinking. Try flushing your eye with lubricating drops. If you wear contact lenses, remove them & contact your optometrist. Do not try to remove anything sharp from your eye yourself; call your optometrist for advice. If the pain carries on or there is no clear cause, book an eye health check. 

  • Throbbing or deep aching pain: This type of pain may suggest something is happening inside the eye. It could be linked to inflammation or infection, like scleritis or optic neuritis. Pain from glaucoma or other pressure‑related problems often feels like a deep ache or build‑up of pressure. Even if the pain is not severe, it is worth getting checked so we can find out what is causing it.

  • Burning, itching or gritty eyes: This is common in conditions like dry eye syndrome, allergies or infections such as conjunctivitis. Your eyes might feel sore, irritated or like there is sand in them. This is called a foreign body sensation. These symptoms are usually easy to treat, but if they don’t go away, it’s best to book an eye health check. 

  • Pain behind the eyes or in the temples: Pain that starts around or behind the eyes could be due to a sinus infection, migraine, or tension headache. Some headaches can also make your eyes feel sensitive to light, red or watery. Cluster headaches can be more severe and may include eye swelling or pupil changes. If you notice these symptoms, contact your GP or optometrist. 

  • Eye strain and tiredness: If your eyes feel sore, achy or heavy, especially after long periods on screens or reading, it may be eye strain. You might also find it uncomfortable to look in certain directions or focus for too long. Taking regular screen breaks and wearing the right glasses can help ease the discomfort. If it keeps happening, book an eye test to check your vision.

 What are the symptoms of eye pain?

Eye pain often comes with other symptoms that can help show what’s going on. Keep an eye out for these common signs. They can point to different causes and tell you when it’s time to get help. 

  1. Red or bloodshot eyes: if the whites of your eyes look bright red or patchy, it could be a burst blood vessel or irritation. This might happen from rubbing your eyes, straining, or even coughing too hard. It can look worrying, but it’s usually harmless and settles in a week or two.

  2. Sticky or watery eyes: if your eyes are glued shut in the morning or constantly watering through the day, it could be conjunctivitis. This is when the thin layer over your eye gets inflamed. It’s common, often contagious, and usually clears up with basic care. 

  3. Blurry vision or seeing halos: if your sight goes fuzzy or you start seeing rainbow rings around lights, it could be a sign of glaucoma. This is caused by a build‑up of pressure inside the eye and can lead to vision loss if not caught early. 

  4. Pain in bright light: if bright light suddenly becomes hard to cope with, it could point to inflammation inside the eye. This kind of photophobia is often a sign that something more serious is going on. 

  5. A deep ache in or around the eye: this could be iritis, where the coloured part of your eye (the iris) becomes inflamed. It often causes redness, blurred vision and light sensitivity too, and it needs treatment to avoid long‑term damage. 

  6. A gritty or scratchy feeling: if it feels like there’s something in your eye that you can’t blink away, it might be dry eye syndrome. This happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears – or the tears dry out too fast. Another possible cause is a scratched surface (corneal abrasion), which can happen after rubbing your eyes or from something like dust or sand getting in the eye. 

  7. A sore lump on your eyelid: this is often a stye, which shows up as a red, swollen bump near the edge of your eyelid. It might feel tender and make your eye water, but it can improve with treatment. 

  8. Redness, pain and changes to your vision: if you have an autoimmune condition, it can sometimes affect your eyes too. Inflammation linked to autoimmune disease can cause ongoing redness, soreness or problems with vision, and usually needs care from a specialist.

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Do these symptoms sound familiar?

If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above it's worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.

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What causes eye pain?

Sore eyes are often caused by dryness, allergies, eye strain, or minor infections like conjunctivitis or a stye. Sometimes it can be due to a scratch or something small stuck in the eye. If your eyes stay sore, get red or blurry, or if the soreness comes with light sensitivity, it is best to have them checked.


How is eye pain diagnosed?

We’ll start by asking about your symptoms, how long you’ve had pain, where it is, what it feels like, and if anything makes it better or worse. We’ll also ask about your general health and any past eye conditions. 

Your optometrist will check your vision and examine the front of your eye using a slit lamp, a microscope with a light that helps us spot any scratches, inflammation, infection or objects. 

We may measure the pressure inside your eye (important for conditions like glaucoma) and check how your pupils react to light. We may use eye drops to widen your pupil to get a good look at the back of your eye. 

We’ll explain what we’re doing and why. Once we’ve found the cause of your pain, we’ll talk you through the next steps, whether simple care at home, treatment, or referral for specialist help.

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How is eye pain treated?

An optometrist will explain what’s going on and what to do next. 

Mild cases 

Dry eyes or a small scratch on the surface of your eye might sound worrying, but they often clear up with a bit of care at home. Lubricating drops, a warm compress, and a short break from contact lenses can all help ease things. 

Learn more about dry eye syndrome and corneal abrasion 

Infections 

If your eye’s red, sore, or a bit sticky, it could be something like conjunctivitis or a stye. These are common and usually clear up with the right treatment – sometimes that means antibiotic drops or ointment to help things along. 

Learn more about conjunctivitis and styes

More serious conditions 

Some types of eye pain need quick treatment – like glaucoma, iritis or a sudden injury. If the pain is severe, your vision has changed, or light really hurts your eyes, don’t wait it out. Get it checked to avoid lasting damage. 

Learn more about glaucoma and iritis

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Eye Pain FAQs:

Written by our experts for peace of mind

https://images.ctfassets.net/zcryw81f0g1x/5mrcuMDlru21b9LMMuIQn7/34dcf1c5e9fe3ed41c4ea4077537d61f/Ross_Campbell_Northallerton.jpg

Ross Campbell

BSc Hons MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Med Ret

Ross is an experienced optometrist having graduated in 2007 from Bradford University. He is also ophthalmic director of Specsavers Swaledale with Northallerton & Thirsk, a pre‑registration supervisor, professional advancement consultant, and a WOPEC Lead Assessor. He has previously worked as Director of Optometry Advancement for Specsavers and as a columnist for Optician & ProFile magazine.

Related conditions

Not sure if this is what you’re experiencing? Explore some related conditions:

  • Stye

    A stye (also known as a hordeolum) is a small painful lump on the inner or outer surface of the eyelid.

    Find out more

  • Corneal Abrasion

    A corneal abrasion is a scratch to the cornea, and can often cause discomfort, red eyes, and a strong sensitivity to light.

    Find out more

  • Iritis

    Iritis, or anterior uveitis, is an inflammation of the iris – the coloured part of your eye that controls the size of your pupil.

    Find out more

Find out more about eye care services

Get expert eye advice

If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, or have experienced any symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.

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